Bra with independently adjustable cup size

ABSTRACT

Disclosed embodiments provide a bra, comprising, a first cup and a second cup. The first cup comprises a first cup size adjustment mechanism. The second cup comprises a second cup size adjustment mechanism. The first cup size adjustment mechanism is adjustable independently of the second cup size adjustment mechanism.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This United States non-provisional application claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/575,368, filed Oct. 20, 2017, the entirecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The field of embodiments of this invention relates generally to bras,and in particular, to bras with independently adjustable cup size.

BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS

It is important that women of all breast sizes are wearing appropriateand correctly-fitted breast support. Many women use bras with incorrectsizing. This can cause undesirable effects, such as a situation in whichthe breasts are supported by the shoulder straps. This can induceadditional pressure on the shoulders, potentially causing issues such asneck pain and/or headaches. Additionally, circulation problems and skinproblems can also be related to incorrectly fitted bras.

With a properly fitted bra, the breasts are supported from underneathand not from the shoulder straps. This alleviates pressure on theshoulders. Despite the importance of correct bra fit, studies have shownthat over 70 percent of women wear the wrong size bra.

In addition to the aforementioned health problems, an improperly sizedbra can also affect appearance. Poorly fitted bras can make the torsoappear bulky. Conversely, a properly sized bra can make one appearslimmer, and also make the wearer's clothes look better on her.

Since a properly sized bra can alleviate a variety of the aforementionedsymptoms, allowing women to exercise in greater comfort and possiblyremoving the need for breast reduction surgery, it is important forwell-being to have a properly sized bra.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In one aspect, there is provided a bra, comprising: a first cup; asecond cup; wherein the first cup comprises a first cup circumferenceadjustment mechanism; and wherein the second cup comprises a second cupcircumference adjustment mechanism.

In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first cupcircumference adjustment mechanism comprises: a first adjustment cord; asecond adjustment cord; wherein the first adjustment cord is affixed tothe bra in a proximal location to a circumference boundary of the firstcup on a first side, and wherein the second adjustment cord is affixedto the circumference boundary of the first cup on a second side.

In another aspect, the bra further comprises a first access slot; asecond access slot; wherein the first adjustment cord is affixed to aninterior portion of the first cup, and wherein the first adjustment cordtraverses the first access slot to an exterior surface of the bra; andwherein the second adjustment cord is affixed to an interior portion ofthe first cup, and wherein the second adjustment cord traverses thesecond access slot to an exterior surface of the bra.

In another aspect, the bra further comprises a first access slot; asecond access slot; and wherein the first adjustment cord is affixed toan interior portion of the first cup, and wherein the first adjustmentcord traverses the first access slot to an exterior surface of the bra;and wherein the second adjustment cord is affixed to an interior portionof the first cup, and wherein the second adjustment cord traverses thesecond access slot to an exterior surface of the bra.

In another aspect, the bra further comprises a first shoulder strapattached to the first cup; a second shoulder strap attached to thesecond cup; a first fastening mechanism attached to the first shoulderstrap; a second fastening mechanism attached to the second shoulderstrap; and wherein the first adjustment cord is attachable to thefastening mechanism of the first shoulder strap; and wherein the secondadjustment cord is attachable to the fastening mechanism of the firstshoulder strap.

In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first fasteningmechanism and second fastening mechanism comprise an elastic band.

In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first adjustmentcord and second adjustment cord are terminated at a pull-tab.

In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first cupcomprises a first underwire support disposed along a lower portion ofthe first cup, and wherein the second cup comprises a second underwiresupport disposed along a lower portion of the second cup.

In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first cupcircumference adjustment mechanism comprises: a first adjustment ribbon;a second adjustment ribbon; wherein the first adjustment ribbon isaffixed to the bra in a proximal location to a circumference boundary onan interior surface of the first cup on a first side, and wherein thesecond adjustment ribbon is affixed to the bra in a proximal location toa circumference boundary on an interior surface of the first cup on asecond side.

In another aspect, the bra further comprises a first fastening mechanismand a second fastening mechanism, wherein the first fastening mechanismis configured and disposed to secure the first adjustment ribbon, andwherein the second fastening mechanism is configured and disposed tosecure the second adjustment ribbon.

In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first fasteningmechanism comprises a first elastic band, and wherein the secondfastening mechanism comprises a second elastic band.

In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first adjustmentribbon and the second adjustment ribbon are secured together at a distalend of each adjustment ribbon.

In another aspect, there is provided a bra comprising a first cup; asecond cup; wherein the first cup comprises a first cup circumferenceadjustment mechanism; and wherein the second cup comprises a second cupcircumference adjustment mechanism.

In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first cupcircumference adjustment mechanism comprises: a first adjustment cord; asecond adjustment cord; wherein the first adjustment cord is affixed tothe bra in a proximal location to a circumference boundary of the firstcup on a first side, and wherein the second adjustment cord is affixedto the circumference boundary of the first cup on a second side.

In another aspect, there is provided a bra comprising a first accessslot formed in the first cup; a second access slot formed in the firstcup; and wherein the first adjustment cord is affixed to an interiorportion of the first cup, and wherein the first adjustment cordtraverses the first access slot to an exterior surface of the bra; andwherein second adjustment cord is affixed to an interior portion of thefirst cup, and wherein the second adjustment cord traverses the firstaccess slot to an exterior surface of the bra.

In another aspect, there is provided a bra further comprising: a firstfastening mechanism affixed to an exterior surface of the first cup; asecond fastening mechanism affixed to an exterior surface of the firstcup; and wherein the first adjustment cord is attachable to the firstfastening mechanism; and wherein the second adjustment cord isattachable to the second fastening mechanism.

In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first fasteningmechanism and second fastening mechanism each comprise an elastic band.

In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first cupcomprises a first underwire support disposed along a lower portion ofthe first cup, and wherein the second cup comprises a second underwiresupport disposed along a lower portion of the second cup.

In another aspect, there is provided a bra comprising: a first cup; asecond cup; wherein the first cup comprises a first cup size adjustmentmechanism; and wherein the second cup comprises a second cup sizeadjustment mechanism, and wherein the first cup size adjustmentmechanism is independent of the second cup size adjustment mechanism.

In another aspect, there is provided a bra wherein the first cup sizeadjustment mechanism is located on an interior side of the first cup,and wherein the second cup size adjustment mechanism is located on aninterior side of the second cup.

In another aspect, there is provided a bra further comprising: a firstshoulder strap; a second shoulder strap; and wherein the first cup sizeadjustment mechanism is attachable to the first shoulder strap, andwherein the second cup size adjustment mechanism is attachable to thesecond shoulder strap.

In another aspect, there is provided a bra further comprising anadjustable back section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The structure, operation, and advantages of disclosed embodiments willbecome further apparent upon consideration of the following descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying figures (FIGs.). The figuresare intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Certain elements in someof the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, forillustrative clarity.

FIG. 1A shows a front view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a rear view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an additional embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an interior cup view of yet another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective front view of a strapless embodiment.

FIG. 5B shows a rear view of a strapless embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed embodiments provide a bra with independently adjustable cupsizes. For each cup, a first adjustment cord is affixed to a first sideof the cup, and a second adjustment cord is affixed to a second side ofthe cup. The cords are affixed along the circumference of the cup. Thecords are configured and disposed such that, when pulled, the cordsfunction to reduce the cup size. In use, a wearer can pull the cords tocustomize the cup size for each breast. Thus, disclosed embodimentsallow women who may have a breast size that is in between two sizes toquickly make a custom fit. Furthermore, some women may have slightlydifferently sized breasts. That is, the right breast and left breast ofa woman may be of slightly different sizes. Disclosed embodiments enablethe wearer to customize each cup independently, such that theseconditions can be accommodated. Furthermore, a woman's breasts maychange slightly in size over the course of a monthly cycle. Withdisclosed embodiments, the cups may be adjusted differently each timethe bra is worn, accommodating these variations. The result is a brawith cups that maintain a proper fit for the aforementioned situations.

FIG. 1A shows a front view of an embodiment of the present invention.Bra 100 includes a first cup 104A and a second cup 104B. Bra 100includes a first cup circumference adjustment mechanism 102A for cup104A. Similarly, bra 100 includes a second cup circumference adjustmentmechanism 102B for cup 104B.

Cup circumference adjustment mechanism 102A includes a first adjustmentcord 106A and a second adjustment cord 108A. The outer circumferencearea of the cup is referred to as a circumference boundary. Adjustmentcord 106A is affixed to the circumference boundary of the cup 104A atfastening point 110A. Adjustment cord 108A is affixed to thecircumference boundary of the cup 104A at fastening point 112A.Fastening point 110A and fastening point 112A may be implemented viastitching to sew the cords (106A and 108A) to their respective fasteningpoints. Thus, in embodiments, the first adjustment cord is affixed tothe bra in a proximal location to a circumference boundary of the firstcup on a first side, and the second adjustment cord is affixed to thecircumference boundary of the first cup on a second side.

Cup 104A further includes a first access slot 114A and a second accessslot 116A. The first access slot 114A and the second access slot 116Aprovide an access from an interior side of the cup to an exteriorsurface of the bra. The interior side of the cup is the side of the cupthat touches the breasts while the bra is being worn.

In embodiments, the first adjustment cord 106A is affixed to an interiorportion of the first cup, and the first adjustment cord traverses thefirst access slot 114A to an exterior surface of the bra, and the secondadjustment cord 108A is affixed to an interior portion of the first cup,and the second adjustment cord 108A traverses the second access slot116A to an exterior surface of the bra.

Bra 100 comprises a shoulder strap 118A. In embodiments, a fasteningmechanism is attached to the shoulder strap 118A. In embodiments, thefastening mechanism comprises an elastic band 120A. In embodiments, thefirst adjustment cord 106A and the second adjustment cord 108A areterminated at a pull-tab 122A. To adjust the cup circumference of cup104A, a wearer pulls on pull tab 122A through elastic band 120A that isaffixed to the shoulder strap 118A. While wearing the bra, the userpulls the pull-tab 122A until the cup 104A reaches the appropriate cupcircumference. The tension of the elastic band 120 holds the firstadjustment cord 106A and the second adjustment cord 108A in place.

Similarly, cup circumference adjustment mechanism 102B includes a firstadjustment cord 106B and a second adjustment cord 108B. The outercircumference area of the cup is referred to as a circumferenceboundary. Adjustment cord 106B is affixed to the circumference boundaryof the cup 104B at fastening point 110B. Adjustment cord 108B is affixedto the circumference boundary of the cup 104B at fastening point 112B.Fastening point 110B and fastening point 112B may be implemented viastitching to sew the cords (106B and 108B) to their respective fasteningpoints.

Cup 104B further includes a first access slot 114B and a second accessslot 116B. The first access slot 114B and the second access slot 116Bprovide an access from an interior side of the cup to an exteriorsurface of the bra. The interior side of the cup is the side of the cupthat touches the breasts while the bra is being worn.

In embodiments, the first adjustment cord 106B is affixed to an interiorportion of the first cup, and wherein the first adjustment cordtraverses the first access slot 114B to an exterior surface of the bra,and the second adjustment cord 108B is affixed to an interior portion ofthe first cup, and the second adjustment cord 108B traverses the secondaccess slot 116B to an exterior surface of the bra.

Bra 100 comprises a shoulder strap 118B. In embodiments, a fasteningmechanism is attached to the shoulder strap 118B. In embodiments, thefastening mechanism comprises an elastic band 120B. In embodiments, thefirst adjustment cord 106B and the second adjustment cord 108B areterminated at a pull-tab 122B. To adjust the cup circumference of cup104B, a wearer pulls on pull tab 122B through elastic band 120B that isaffixed to the shoulder strap 118B. While wearing the bra, the userpulls the pull-tab 122B until the cup 104B reaches the appropriate cupcircumference. The tension of the elastic band 120 holds the firstadjustment cord 106B and the second adjustment cord 108B in place. Thus,cup 104A and cup 104B may be adjusted independently.

FIG. 1B shows a rear view of an embodiment of the present invention. Ascan be seen in this view, bra 100 includes adjustment ring 132A toadjust the length of shoulder strap 118A. Similarly, bra 100 includesadjustment ring 132B to adjust the length of shoulder strap 118B. Bra100 further includes backstrap 130 having clasp 134. In embodiments,clasp 134 may be a hook fastener comprising multiple hook positions toprovide an adjustable setting for the backstrap. Thus, in embodiments,the bra further comprises an adjustable back section.

FIG. 2 shows an additional embodiment of the present invention. Bra 200is similar to bra 100 shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, with the keydifference being the addition of underwire supports. Underwire support238A is integrated into cup 204A. Similarly, underwire support 238B isintegrated into cup 204B. Thus, disclosed embodiments can be used inbras with and/or without underwire support.

FIG. 3 shows an interior cup view of yet another embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 3 shows a portion of a bra to show additionaldetail. The interior side shown is in contact with the breasts while thebra is being worn. In this embodiment, the cup circumference adjustmentmechanism is concealed on the interior surface of the cup.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of an embodiment that includes the cupcircumference adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 3. Bra 400 includes cup404A and cup 404B. Cup 404A includes cup circumference adjustmentmechanism 402A that is concealed on the interior surface of cup 404A,and thus not visible when the bra 400 is worn. Similarly, cup 404Bincludes cup circumference adjustment mechanism 402B that is concealedon the interior surface of cup 404B, and thus not visible when the bra400 is worn. Cup 404A may be adjusted independently of cup 404B.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective front view of a strapless embodiment. Bra500 is strapless, referring to the style that does not use shoulderstraps (compare with 118A and 118B of FIG. 1A). Such an embodiment maybe well-suited for use with a strapless dress, gown, or other attirethat warrants the use of a strapless bra. The bra 500 includes a firstcup 504A and a second cup 504B affixed to, or formed within a torsoportion 522. For the sake of clarity, reference numbers are shown onlyfor the cup size adjustment mechanism for cup 504B. Cup 504A has a cupsize adjustment mechanism similar to that of cup 504B.

The cup size adjustment mechanism includes a first adjustment cord 552and a second adjustment cord 554. The first adjustment cord 552 isaffixed to the bra in a proximal location to a circumference boundary ofthe cup 504B on a first side at fastening point 512. The secondadjustment cord 554 is affixed to the circumference boundary of the cup504B on a second side at fastening point 510. Fastening point 510 andfastening point 512 may be implemented via stitching to sew the cords(554 and 552) to their respective fastening points. The fastening points510 and 512 are located on an interior surface of cup 504B.

Cup 504B includes a first access slot 546 and a second access slot 548.The first adjustment cord 552 traverses access slot 546. Similarly, thesecond adjustment cord 554 traverses access slot 548. A first fasteningmechanism 542 is affixed to the exterior surface cup 504B. Similarly, asecond fastening mechanism 544 is affixed to the exterior surface of cup504B. In embodiments, the first fastening mechanism 542 and the secondfastening mechanism 544 comprise elastic bands. During use, a user wearsthe bra, and then pulls each adjustment cord until the fit of cup 504Bis as desired and tucks the cords underneath one or both of thefastening mechanisms to secure them in place. A similar mechanism andprocess is used for cup 504A. In this way, the advantages of theindividually adjustable cup sizes are combined with a strapless bra.

FIG. 5B shows a rear view of a strapless embodiment. As can be seen inthis view, bra 500 includes torso portion 522 having clasp 534. Inembodiments, clasp 534 may be a hook fastener comprising multiple hookpositions to provide an adjustable setting for the backstrap. Thus, thetorso portion 522 goes around the torso of the wearer to hold the bra500 in place without the use of shoulder straps.

In yet other embodiments, the bra may further include an adjustable backsection. The adjustable back section may be adjusted using clasps,strings, buckles, hook-and-loop fasteners, and/or other suitablemechanisms. This can provide another degree of adjustability forenabling enhanced comfort of the wearer.

As can now be appreciated, disclosed embodiments provide a bra withindependently adjustable cup sizes. Proper bra sizing is important forboth health and aesthetics. The adjustable cups of disclosed embodimentsallow the cups to change size each time the bra is worn, accommodatingany differences over the course of a monthly cycle. Thus, disclosedembodiments enable a new level of comfort and convenience for thewearer.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s)thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean thatthere are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective“another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one ormore elements. The terms “including” and “having” are intended to beinclusive such that there may be additional elements other than thelisted elements.

Although this invention has been described with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure hasbeen made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in thedetails of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted towithout departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bra, comprising: a first cup; a second cup;wherein the first cup comprises a first cup circumference adjustmentmechanism; and wherein the second cup comprises a second cupcircumference adjustment mechanism.
 2. The bra of claim 1, wherein thefirst cup circumference adjustment mechanism comprises: a firstadjustment cord; a second adjustment cord; wherein the first adjustmentcord is affixed to the bra in a proximal location to a circumferenceboundary of the first cup on a first side, and wherein the secondadjustment cord is affixed to the circumference boundary of the firstcup on a second side.
 3. The bra of claim 2, further comprising: a firstaccess slot; a second access slot; and wherein the first adjustment cordis affixed to an interior portion of the first cup; wherein the firstadjustment cord traverses the first access slot to an exterior surfaceof the bra; wherein the second adjustment cord is affixed to an interiorportion of the first cup; and wherein the second adjustment cordtraverses the second access slot to an exterior surface of the bra. 4.The bra of claim 3, further comprising: a first shoulder strap attachedto the first cup; a second shoulder strap attached to the second cup; afirst fastening mechanism attached to the first shoulder strap; a secondfastening mechanism attached to the second shoulder strap; wherein thefirst adjustment cord is attachable to the fastening mechanism of thefirst shoulder strap; and wherein the second adjustment cord isattachable to the fastening mechanism of the first shoulder strap. 5.The bra of claim 4, wherein the first fastening mechanism and secondfastening mechanism comprise an elastic band.
 6. The bra of claim 5,wherein the first adjustment cord and second adjustment cord areterminated at a pull-tab.
 7. The bra of claim 1, wherein the first cupcomprises a first underwire support disposed along a lower portion ofthe first cup, and wherein the second cup comprises a second underwiresupport disposed along a lower portion of the second cup.
 8. The bra ofclaim 1, wherein the first cup circumference adjustment mechanismcomprises: a first adjustment ribbon; a second adjustment ribbon;wherein the first adjustment ribbon is affixed to the bra in a proximallocation to a circumference boundary on an interior surface of the firstcup on a first side, and wherein the second adjustment ribbon is affixedto the bra in a proximal location to a circumference boundary on aninterior surface of the first cup on a second side.
 9. The bra of claim8, further comprising a first fastening mechanism and a second fasteningmechanism, wherein the first fastening mechanism is configured anddisposed to secure the first adjustment ribbon, and wherein the secondfastening mechanism is configured and disposed to secure the secondadjustment ribbon.
 10. The bra of claim 9, wherein the first fasteningmechanism comprises a first elastic band, and wherein the secondfastening mechanism comprises a second elastic band.
 11. The bra ofclaim 8, wherein the first adjustment ribbon and the second adjustmentribbon are secured together at a distal end of each adjustment ribbon.12. A strapless bra, comprising: a first cup; a second cup; wherein thefirst cup comprises a first cup circumference adjustment mechanism; andwherein the second cup comprises a second cup circumference adjustmentmechanism.
 13. The strapless bra of claim 12, wherein the first cupcircumference adjustment mechanism comprises: a first adjustment cord; asecond adjustment cord; wherein the first adjustment cord is affixed tothe bra in a proximal location to a circumference boundary of the firstcup on a first side, and wherein the second adjustment cord is affixedto the circumference boundary of the first cup on a second side.
 14. Thestrapless bra of claim 13, further comprising: a first access slotformed in the first cup; a second access slot formed in the first cup;and wherein the first adjustment cord is affixed to an interior portionof the first cup; wherein the first adjustment cord traverses the firstaccess slot to an exterior surface of the bra; wherein second adjustmentcord is affixed to an interior portion of the first cup, and wherein thesecond adjustment cord traverses the first access slot to an exteriorsurface of the bra.
 15. The strapless bra of claim 14, furthercomprising: a first fastening mechanism affixed to an exterior surfaceof the first cup; a second fastening mechanism affixed to an exteriorsurface of the first cup; and wherein the first adjustment cord isattachable to the first fastening mechanism; and wherein the secondadjustment cord is attachable to the second fastening mechanism.
 16. Thestrapless bra of claim 15, wherein the first fastening mechanism andsecond fastening mechanism each comprise an elastic band.
 17. Thestrapless bra of claim 12, wherein the first cup comprises a firstunderwire support disposed along a lower portion of the first cup, andwherein the second cup comprises a second underwire support disposedalong a lower portion of the second cup.
 18. A bra, comprising: a firstcup; a second cup; wherein the first cup comprises a first cup sizeadjustment mechanism; wherein the second cup comprises a second cup sizeadjustment mechanism; and wherein the first cup size adjustmentmechanism is independent of the second cup size adjustment mechanism.19. The bra of claim 18, wherein the first cup size adjustment mechanismis located on an interior side of the first cup, and wherein the secondcup size adjustment mechanism is located on an interior side of thesecond cup.
 20. The bra of claim 18, further comprising: a firstshoulder strap; a second shoulder strap; wherein the first cup sizeadjustment mechanism is attachable to the first shoulder strap, andwherein the second cup size adjustment mechanism is attachable to thesecond shoulder strap.
 21. The bra of claim 20, further comprising anadjustable back section.